How Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza has grown ‘exponentially’ despite preseason numbers

Fernando Mendoza saw action in three preseason contests for the Las Vegas Raiders, a stretch that concluded Thursday with an 18‑12 result against the San Francisco 49ers. After the game he remarked, “I would emotion unlimited games for development.” Mendoza finished the preseason as the Raiders’ second‑team quarterback versus the 49ers, going 7‑for‑14 for 57 yards with a first‑quarter score and nine rushing yards. He directed four first‑half drives, including his initial snap with the starters—subbing for Tyler Linderbaum before being relieved at the halfway point by Trey Zuhn III—while Kirk Cousins orchestrated the opening two series and Mendoza retained a second‑half series before yielding to Aidan O’Connell. Overall, facing backup defenders and a patchwork offensive line, Mendoza completed 25 of 45 attempts for 240 yards, tossed one touchdown, threw two interceptions and absorbed four sacks. His second‑half snap on Thursday sailed high over receiver Jalen Nailor, ricocheted off the receiver’s fingertips and was corralled by 49ers linebacker Tatum Bethune. Las Vegas head coach Klint Kubiak commented, “He needs different 3 preseason games,” declining again as he has long sought to name a Week 1 starter at quarterback. “All those rookies do, and now that the season is beginning, the available reps shrink—that’s just life. But we as coaches have to get him ready to play and keep developing him.” Although Mendoza’s raw numbers appear modest, he insists his growth over the past four weeks has been substantial, citing tutelage from Kubiak, Cousins and O’Connell. During practice and preseason action he has displayed arm strength, accuracy and composure, while also showing a eagerness to master the intricacies of NFL quarterbacking. On some throws he has squeezed passes into tight windows before defenders break; on others his timing has been late or his placement too high. On certain dropbacks he has worked through his progressions to find a receiver for a sizable gain; on other occasions he has held the ball too long. Mendoza summed up the challenge with his trademark smile: “The NFL is truly tough,” he said. “There’s a large leap going from college to the NFL and the velocity—and there’s just so many different aspects. And the NFL is simply a tough business I look forward to taking on with my teammates.” The Raiders’ decision to sign veteran Kirk Cousins—a four‑time Pro Bowler selected in the fourth round—aims to give Mendoza a model for the timing and decision‑making needed to polish his upside. Without Mendoza’s mobility and arm power, Cousins has been able to diagnose coverages quickly in training camp, knowing his targets before they emerge. Notably, Mendoza is preparing for what will be his 15th career snap, not his first. Kubiak added, “It’s (learning) from his reps,” calling the experience a blessing for the young quarterback. “It’s learning from Kirk’s reps, from Aidan’s reps. Very invaluable for him to get each those reps. I’d emotion to play him the full game but there’s other guys we want to get a look at.” Despite fluctuations in performance and effectiveness, Mendoza’s determination and focus have remained steady amid the inevitable ups and downs. Cousins remains the presumed starter—a role Kubiak affirmed after the preseason opener as his duty to earn—and Mendoza can contribute without the pressure to single‑handedly turn the Raiders’ fortunes this inaugural season under their first‑year head coach. Mendoza expressed confidence in the system and in himself: “There’s been highs and there’s been lows, but I judge from the archetypal time of grooming campy until now, I’ve exponentially been a amended quarterback,” the reigning Heisman Trophy victor said. “It mightiness not look similar it connected insubstantial due to the fact that oregon possibly (on track) with extracurricular expectations, conscionable due to the fact that there’s been truthful galore—I’ve been blessed with truthful galore large experiences this past year. … I’m precise grateful for the highs and lows of grooming campy and I judge I’m increasing a batch arsenic a subordinate due to the fact that of the large coaches, large teammates and large enactment I’m a portion of it.”